Woodland Hills has become a hotbed for Indian food, surpassed only by Artesia in LA County. Taste of India is one of your best, most centrally located options, situated in back of Warner Plaza next to Sprouts Farmers Market. Sure, Punjab-born owner Surinder Singh sells Indian standbys like samosas, tandoor-singed proteins and aromatic biryani. However, Taste of India distinguishes itself from other Indian restaurants in the area with an entire menu section devoted to mutton (aged lamb).

Each mutton dish costs $12.95, including curry, korma, biryani and, best of all, pudhina (mint) mutton. Bone-in chunks of the other red meat braise in a rust-colored mutton-and-onion gravy that’s seasoned with ginger, garlic and fresh mint. Specify how spicy you like the dish, and by all means order rice or bread to quench the aromatic fire. I’d suggest chapati tandoori ($1.95)—a puffy, char-pocked flatbread. Add spicy carrot pickle for crunch and tamarind chutney for tang. To maximize mint flavor and capitalize on a classic combo, dress your mutton with mint chutney.

21833 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818-999-0600